Page 44 of The Billionaire's Heart

He nods, “Yep. Lacrosse. You?”

I laugh. “Nope. I’m not coordinated enough. I can barely open a door.” We both laugh. “Okay, you know my dream. What’s yours?”

He takes a few minutes to think about my question. “I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me that before.”

“Well, what is it?”

“Do you mean career-wise or in life? Like my dream vacation? What do you mean by dream?”

“Ian, this isn’t a complicated question. What is your dream life look like?”

He contemplates my question for a few more moments. “What’s yours look like?”

I laugh at him. “You’re answering a question with a question.”

“Tell me, Mia. What’s your dream life look like? Tell me and I’ll tell you mine.”

I sigh, “Okay. My dream life, if I could waive a magic wand, it would be me, married to someone that thinks I’m the jelly to his peanut butter. Kids, maybe two or three. A dog or two. Family dinners every night, vacations to the beach each summer, a successful business where I can help brides and grooms have their perfect day no matter their budget. A small house that’s all mine where I don’t have to move every few months. Helping my kids with their homework, chaperoning their field trips, and going to PTA meetings. Having friends over for picnics. Basically, putting down roots and building the family I’ve never had, but always wanted.” I shake myself out of my dream world. “Your turn. What’s your dream life look like?”

Ian crosses his right ankle over his left knee in a nervous movement. “Don’t laugh at me, but I want what my parents have.”

“What do your parents have?”

“You’ll see it tomorrow when they come over for dinner, but nothing in this world can come between the two of them. They love each other with every fiber of their being. Dad caters to Mom’s every whim and Mom protects and supports Dad in every way possible. They raised Sawyer and I to be caring and thoughtful men.”

“Who’s Sawyer?” I interrupt.

“My brother, sorry. You’ll meet him tomorrow night as well. Just stay away from him or he’ll charm you away from me.” He smiles, but there’s something just below the surface he keeps from me, so, to respect his privacy, I don’t pry and just nod my head.

“All this,” he waves around the room, “it means nothing if you don’t have someone to enjoy it with. Trust me. But I’ve learned over the years that finding what my parents have is very elusive and only happens to some people. Not everyone gets that.” Ian stands up. “I need a drink. Want one?”

“No, I’m fine, thank you.” I look at my watch. “It’s getting late. Is there anything more you need to know about me or that I need to know about you?”

“You need to know that I drink whiskey.” He raises up the tumbler. “In case they ask tomorrow.”

Something is bothering him, but I don’t know what it is. Perhaps it was that bit about his brother? I don’t know, but the mood in the room has shifted downwards and I have the urge to run back to my room.

“Okay, well, I’m going to let you enjoy your whiskey in peace and head upstairs for the night. I have a busy day tomorrow, thanks to you, Mr. Gallo.” I give him my small smile, hoping it lets him know that I’m in this for the duration. Plus, I’m ready to be alone with my thoughts and process all that has happened, and all that is about to happen.

“Good night, Mia.”

“Oh, one more thing.” I catch myself against one of the banisters to the staircase. “I belong to a kickball team, and I have practice every night and a game every Saturday. I missed today’s practice, but I’m going to the rest of them.”

“You can’t go, Mia. I’m sorry. It’s not safe yet.” He interrupts me as he takes a sip of his whiskey.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You thought I was asking permission?” I laugh. “No, I was letting you know where I’ll be. If you want to have your security follow me, that’s fine. But I’m going whether or not you like it.” I turn and go up the stairs.

“Mia. Wait! That came out wrong.” He chases after me.

When I make it to the landing, I turn to him and see him still standing at the base of the staircase. “I’m a big girl, Ian. I can take care of myself; I have for my entire life. If you want me to take your security team, fine. But I will not miss out on whatIwant to do because of this charade we’ve got going on. What you don’t understand is that once you walk out of my life and this is all over, I need to have a life to go back to.”

He looks down into his glass of whiskey like it’ll give him the answers he’s looking for and then back up to me. “I’m sorry, Mia. That came out wrong and you’re right. I would like to have security accompany you tomorrow. If that’s okay with you.” I can hear the apology in his voice.

“That would be great. Good night, Ian.”

“Good night, Mia.”

I go into my room and close the door behind me and take a deep breath and collapse on the couch in my living room.

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